The Cataline Conspiracy Flashcards
(13 cards)
What did Sallust claim as Cataline’s motive?
‘“I saw unworthy men elevated to honourable positions”
Sallust, Catiline’s War 35
What did Manlius state about the condition of his followers? [Sallust]
“We are wretched and destitute”
What does Cataline say about the money lenders according to Sallust?
“Many of us have been driven from our country by the violence and cruelty of the moneylenders”
Sallust, Catiline’s War 33
What did Piso and Catulus blame Cicero for regarding Caesar? [Plut]
“Piso and Catulus blamed Cicero for having spared Caesar when he was vulnerable during the affair of Catiline”
What did Cicero hold to discuss the fate of the conspirators?
A Great Debate
Cicero sought Senatorial support to make his position stronger
What was the general consensus on the execution of the conspirators? [Plut, Cicero, Sallust, Caesar]
Everyone was in favour of executing the accused, until JC suggested imprisoning them
JC’s stance may have been to avoid precedent of killing under the SCU
What did Sallust state about the potential threat of a more powerful adversary?
“A more powerful adversary would have wrested both supreme power and freedom from them”
Sallust, Bellum Catalinae 39
What does Mary Beard say about the Cataline Conspiracy?
The idea that it was “a figment of Cicero’s imagination… is implausible” [Mary Beard, SPQR]
How serious was the Catiline Conspiracy compared to other revolts?
Probably not more serious than other revolts, like Revolt of Lepidus in 78BC
What evidence did Plutarch provide about Cethegus?
Weapons were found in Cethegus’ house
What did Catiline promise his followers during the first conspiracy? [Sallust]
“Catiline promised them the cancellation of debts, the proscriptions of the rich, offices, priesthoods, plunder and all the spoils [of war]”
Sallust, Bellum Catalinae 21
What disclaimer did Sallust give regarding the events of the Catiline Conspiracy?
He can’t confirm what did and didn’t happen
Much of the story could have been fabricated by Catiline’s detractors
What was the plot of the first Catiline Conspiracy?
To kill most of the senate, take the consulships and province of Spain
